Awujale Stool: Police Summon Nine Kingmakers Over Alleged Bribery
The Ogun State Police Command has for the second time summoned nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers over allegations of bribery and financial inducement in connection with the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
A top police source who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, confirmed the development to The Punch on Friday, saying, “The nine kingmakers have been told to come to the police command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invite is still on the allegations of financial inducement, that much I can say.”
Four of the kingmakers were directed to appear on Monday, April 21, while the remaining five were invited for Tuesday, April 22.
One of the kingmakers, Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, also confirmed the invite.
Okenla stated, “It is true that the Ogun State police command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to be there on Monday, while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday.”
Expressing displeasure over the summons, Okenla said, “None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are not equally happy about it because it is more of a distraction.”
He appealed directly to Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying, “We are only pleading with Gov Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay.”
The family head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said he had heard of the latest summons but was yet to verify it.
“I have equally heard about this latest police summons, but I can’t confirm if it is a rumour or true. I am only begging Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the father of all, to allow reasons to prevail and let us have the new Awujale on time,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
